Bid to block ad-skipping TV service rejected

An effort to block a TV service that enables viewers to automatically skip adverts on recorded shows has been rejected.

Fox had attempted to get a preliminary injunction on Dish Network’s Autohop, but its efforts were overturned and no injunction was granted.

The service allows viewers to skip adverts at the touch of a button (Pic: Thinkstock)

In addition to Fox, Comcast, NBC and CBS have all tried to sue Dish Networks. The TV companies claimed the show recordings are unauthorised.

Dish said the decision against an injunction was a ‘victory for common sense’.

However, the story may not be over as Fox has said it will appeal against the ruling.

It accused Autohop of ‘destroying the fundamental underpinnings of the broadcast television ecosystem’.

This case comes ahead of a ruling on whether the service was infringing copyright laws by allowing unauthorised copies of shows to be made.

While the ruling has not been released publically, a statement released by Dish Networks said that Judge Dolly Gee has ruled that Fox was unlikely to be able to prove it had suffered irreparable harm by the service.

Meanwhile, Fox said it was ‘gratified’ that it was ruled the stored programmes did count as copyright infringement.

The system is able to record and store content from the four networks for up to eight days.

While most recording services allow viewers to fast-forward through the adverts, an Autohop feature allows them to skip commercials automatically.